Residents demand action over alleyway

A pensioner was forced to take a taxi to church instead of walking through an alleyway because it was blocked by overgrown bushes.

The jitty, which runs next to All Saints Church in Kirk Hallam, is used as a cut through by many elderly churchgoers.

Several residents have reported the issue to Kirk Hallam County Councillor Michelle Booth.

She said: “Some residents who use the jitty are over eighty but are fiercely independent and walking to church unaided is a matter of pride.

“The path is on a steep canter and its uncluttered width is essential for their safety, for people using sticks and zimmer frames, the jitty has become a total no-go area.

“If it is cleared, a 200 metre trip in all weathers is perfectly feasible but the long way round is over a mile.”

Cllr Booth has contacted both Erewash Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council in a bid to get the walkway cleared up.

The authorities are both currently looking into whose responsibility it is to maintain the walk way.

Phillip Wright, director of operational services at Erewash Borough Council, said: “We will investigate who owns the site in question and we can assure residents that if the Council has any responsibility, we will make sure action is taken as soon as possible.”

Cllr Booth added: “This isn’t the first time that this has happened.

“In the past when residents have pointed out the problem Erewash Borough Council have cut the bushes despite the confusion over who owns the jitty.”